SIM Card Installation and Removal

Katalyst Spark — Setup Guide

This guide walks you through how to install or remove a SIM card in your Katalyst Spark. This may be needed when activating a new device, replacing a faulty SIM, or switching to a new service plan.

Before You Start

Your Katalyst Spark uses a Nano SIM card — the smallest size in a standard Tri-Cut SIM card. If you received a Tri-Cut SIM from Pristine Internet, pop out the smallest card size before proceeding.

The Spark has two SIM card slots (SIM 1 and SIM 2) located on the left-hand side of the device, behind a small plastic door. In most cases your active SIM will go in SIM 1.

Locating the SIM Card Door

The SIM card slots and the Reset button are all located behind a small plastic door on the left side of the device when facing the front.

Step 1 — Open the Plastic Door

Lift the plastic door carefully by sliding your fingernail under the edge and gently pulling it up. The door is attached at the top-left corner near the antenna port and will pivot upward and away from the device — it does not detach completely.

The door open — SIM 1 is on the left, SIM 2 is on the right. There is also a TF card slot (microSD) between them.

Step 2 — Power Off Before Removing a SIM

Before removing a SIM card, power off your Spark by holding the power button on the front of the device (where the LED lights are located) until it shuts down. Removing a SIM while the device is powered on can cause errors or damage to the SIM card.

Step 3 — Removing an Existing SIM Card

If there is already a SIM card installed that you need to remove:

1.  Locate the SIM card in SIM Slot 1 (or SIM Slot 2 if applicable).

2.  Press gently inward on the SIM card with your fingernail or a SIM removal tool.

3.  You will feel a click — the SIM card will partially eject from the slot.

4.  Pinch the card and pull it the rest of the way out.

Step 4 — Installing a SIM Card

Before inserting the SIM, note the correct orientation:

•  The metal contacts face up — toward the front/top of the modem (the side where the LED lights are located)

•  The cut corner of the SIM enters the slot first (the corner with the angled notch goes in)

Insert the SIM card into SIM Slot 1 with the cut corner leading and the gold contacts facing up. Slide it in gently until you feel resistance, then press firmly with your fingernail or a SIM tool until you hear and feel a click. Once it clicks into place, the SIM is locked — it will not spring back out.

Step 5 — Installing a SIM in Slot 2 (Optional)

If you are adding a second SIM card to SIM Slot 2, follow the same installation process as Step 4. The orientation is identical — metal contacts facing up, cut corner entering first. Press until you hear the click.

Step 6 — Close the Door and Power On

Once the SIM card is installed, press the plastic door back down until it snaps flat against the device.

If the Spark is not already powered on, press the power button on the front of the device. Wait 3–5 minutes for the device to fully boot up and attempt to register on the network.

After Installation — Check Your Connection

Once the device has booted, check the LED indicators on the front panel. Refer to Guide 1 — Understanding Your LEDs for a full explanation of what each light means. If the device shows a signal but no internet, the APN may need to be set or verified — see Guide 6 — How to Check or Change Your APN.

SIM Card Sizes — Reference

Your Spark requires a Nano SIM (the smallest of the three sizes). Standard Tri-Cut SIM cards from carriers include all three sizes — snap out the smallest one.

Standard SIM (25 × 15 mm), Micro SIM (15 × 12 mm), and Nano SIM (12.3 × 8.8 mm) — your Spark requires the Nano SIM.

Need more help?

Visit pristineinternet.com  ·  Call 1-877-877-7716  ·  Email contact@pristineinternet.com

Or submit a help ticket by clicking here

Pristine Internet — Katalyst Spark Customer Guide